2008-2011 Honda Accord Oil Consumption: Warranty Repair Guide
Affected Honda Accord Models
The following model year Honda Accords may experience oil consumption issues due to piston ring problems:
- 2008 Honda Accord (all trim levels)
- 2009 Honda Accord (including both 4-cylinder and V6 models)
- 2010 Honda Accord (particularly vehicles in cold climate regions)
- 2011 Honda Accord (early production models)
Understanding the Oil Consumption Problem
The technical service bulletin (TSB No. 12-087) identifies a specific mechanical issue where:
- Carbon deposits accumulate on the piston's oil control rings
- These deposits cause the rings to stick to the piston grooves
- Compromised ring function allows oil to bypass into the combustion chamber
- Burning oil leads to progressively lower oil levels between changes
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Warning Signs of Excessive Oil Consumption
Accord owners should watch for these symptoms:
- Frequent low oil warnings between scheduled changes
- Visible blue-tinted exhaust smoke during acceleration
- Spark plug fouling from oil contamination
- Unexpected need to add 1+ quarts of oil between changes
What Causes Piston Ring Deposits?
Honda's research identified three primary contributing factors:
- Cold Engine Operation: Frequent short trips without proper warm-up cycles
- Aggressive Cold Driving: Hard acceleration before reaching operating temperature
- Fuel Quality Issues: Using gasoline with high particulate content or additives
Honda's Warranty Coverage Solution
Honda implemented a special warranty extension specifically for this issue:
- Coverage Period: 8 years or 125,000 miles (whichever occurs first)
- Repair Scope: Complete piston and ring replacement
- Cost: $0 for eligible vehicles (parts, labor, and diagnostics included)
Important Warranty Exclusions
The coverage does not apply to vehicles with:
- Salvage or rebuilt titles
- Total loss insurance claims
- Mileage exceeding 125,000 at repair time
- Damage from neglect or improper maintenance
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How to Get Your Accord Repaired
Follow these steps to claim your warranty service:
- Verify Eligibility: Call your Honda dealer with your VIN ready
- Diagnostic Check: The dealer will confirm oil consumption meets Honda's threshold
- Schedule Repair: Book an appointment for piston/ring replacement
- Follow-Up: Monitor oil levels for 1,000 miles post-repair
Required Documentation
Bring these items to your service appointment:
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Maintenance records (if available)
- List of observed symptoms with dates
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
After repair, protect your investment with these practices:
- Oil Change Intervals: Follow Honda's severe service schedule if you make frequent short trips
- Fuel Additives: Periodically use Honda-approved fuel system cleaners
- Warm-Up Routine: Allow 30-60 seconds of idle time before driving in cold weather
- Monitoring: Check oil level monthly, especially before long trips
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Additional Resources for Honda Owners
For further assistance with this issue:
- Honda Customer Service: 800-999-1009 (Reference TSB 12-087)
- NHTSA Hotline: 888-327-4236 for recall verification
- Find a Honda Dealer: Use MotorVero's dealer locator tool
Understanding Service Bulletins vs Recalls
It's crucial to distinguish between these two types of notices:
| Service Bulletins | Safety Recalls |
|---|---|
| Address non-safety related issues | Correct safety-critical defects |
| May have time/mileage limitations | Typically no expiration |
| Repair costs vary by situation | Always free to consumer |
How to Check for Open Recalls
Use these official resources:
- NHTSA's recall lookup tool
- Honda's owner portal
- MotorVero's recall verification service
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much oil consumption is considered normal?
Honda considers 1 quart per 1,000 miles excessive for these models. Normal consumption would be less than 1 quart between oil changes.
Can I still get the repair if my Accord has 130,000 miles?
The warranty strictly covers vehicles under 125,000 miles. Some dealers may offer goodwill assistance - contact Honda Customer Relations to discuss options.
Will the repair completely stop oil consumption?
The updated piston design significantly reduces (but may not eliminate) oil consumption. Most owners report consumption below 1 quart per 5,000 miles post-repair.
How long does the piston replacement take?
Expect 2-3 days in the shop. The engine requires partial disassembly and careful reassembly to factory specifications.
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